At its core, pollution prevention is source reduction, which is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. Food waste generates about 270 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions each year, roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from 58 million passenger vehicles.
In the MI Healthy Climate Plan, cutting food waste in half by 2030, is one of the key recommendations for Michigan to achieving carbon neutrality. Food waste is defined as any food that is grown and produced for human consumption but ultimately is not eaten. Consumer-facing businesses and homes represent over 80% of all food waste generated.
